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Hanging High Hammocks Soft Shackles

rated 5.0 of 5 stars
photo: Hanging High Hammocks Soft Shackles hammock accessory

Hanging High Soft Shackles are soft carabiners made from 7/64” Amsteel (Dyneema) cords with a ridiculous 1,600lbs tensile strength for a measly 0.13oz (2g) weight per piece. They can be used to hang hammocks, attach stuff to backpacks, and various other ends.

Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Ultra strong
  • Silent
  • Color options
  • Durable
  • Inexpensive
  • Made in USA
9FF6791B-EDD1-4AF7-9510-08479843D5FD.jpg
HHH Soft Shackles in red. They also come in Blue and Grey, and can be made in custom lengths as well.

I came across Hanging High Hammocks (HHH) when searching for a Spectra/Dyneema fixed ridgeline to replace the flimsy bungee cord on my hammock/sock kit. They are totally dedicated to outdoor hammock experience, and besides a few hammock and tarp combos, they have some really interesting accessories on offer. 

I have a special admiration for small companies focused on innovative solutions and products.

HHH also sells custom hanging stuff made to order, and even splicing kits and Amsteel rolls for those wanting to craft their own stuff. That’s cool, too bad it’s hard to import those items, otherwise I’d try my hand.

Anyway, I decided to try their Soft Shackles too. These are essentially 3in. “soft” carabiners made from 7/64in. Amsteel cord. Amsteel is made from Dyneema fibers. Dyneema and Spectra are brand names for UHMWPE, which is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Technicalities aside, it’s very lightweight, very thin, and ultra-strong stuff. 

HHH touts its Amsteel carabiners at 1,600lbs. of tensile strength, thanks in part to the design that basically doubles the cords in a fixed 3-inch loop with a button-knot design that gets locked by a constricting splice. It’s elegantly simple, clever and effective. 

Weight is a measly 0.13oz. (2g.) per shackle.

It’s ridiculously light. Below, shown on the scale, the difference between a conventional carabiner rated for hammock suspension, and the Soft Shackles, which are even stronger, and probably more durable, too. 

5144B7B3-D975-441B-90AA-7C8388647154.jpg
Can’t even compare.

Each set comes with two soft carabiners for less than $10. They  can be used to attach a hammock to suspension, a ridgeline, join parts, link cords, lock stuff, anything really. I used one to improvise a fix to my friend’s backpack during a recent trip. His floating shoulder strap link broke.

Being pliable and strong, it was easy to replace the damaged link and it fit perfectly, in fact it’s still in his pack waiting for a definitive fix (thankfully I ordered two pairs so I have these three left). I ordered mines in red, to make them easy to find, but they also come in blue and the more traditional light grey. It can be used to attach stuff to backpacks as well, like conventional carabiners. The thing has various uses, really.

Conclusion.

As an UL freak, I’m constantly searching for stuff to replace heavy items without losing practicality, durability and reliability. The HHH Soft Shackles are a great way to replace carabiners, with some pluses. Besides shedding weight, they’re also strong and silent, much more so than conventional ones. 

Background

Like pretty much every outdoor folks, I’ve been using carabiners since forever, for various ends. I’m very glad to have found a lighter, more compact, silent replacement for these. Being from a small company committed to innovation, quality, and the outdoor is another big plus. Highly recommend.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: USD 10 + shipping and importing fees

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Specs

Price MSRP: $9.00
Reviewers Paid: $10.00
Material Amsteel Blue 7/64 in
Tensile Strength 1,600 IBS
Weight .13 oz
Origin Handmade in the USA
Product Details from Hanging High Hammocks »

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